Review: Blind Love by Kishan Paul

Title: Blind Love

Author: Kishan Paul

Release Date: June 2, 2015

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Publisher: Samhain Publishing

She doesn’t need a hero. But a sexy Marine…that’ll work.

At twenty nine, psychologist Lauren Baxter has a successful counseling practice. Since becoming legally blind at fifteen, her world has been a blurry mess of colors. Her greatest fear is also her ultimate reality. One day that fuzzy realm will forever turn black. Refusing to let blindness define her, she builds a life for herself with her dog, Jack Sparrow, and best friend, Sunny Daye.

Lauren has no tolerance for pity or for Superman swooshing down and rescuing her. She is capable of saving herself just fine. That is until Gabe, the great smelling, former Marine, from Texas moves in next door. Her attraction to him is immediate and, unfortunately for her, mutual.

When Lauren’s ex-husband shows up begging for another chance, she is confused and fragile. She also finds herself in the arms of her secretive neighbor. Little does she realize that her decision for a steamy roll in the hay with Gabe will suck her into his mysterious past, thrust her ex-husband back into her life, put her in the middle of a murder investigation, and place her life in danger.

Gabriel Briggs has the weight of the world on his shoulders. Short term flings are all he can afford for more reasons than one – reasons he never plans to share. Until he moves in next door to the beautiful, green eyed, feisty, Lauren. One night with her and he’s reconsidering promises he made almost a decade ago. When a woman from his past is murdered, his world is turned upside down. Secrets are revealed and innocent lives are threatened. Can Gabe win Lauren’s love and save her life before it’s too late?

Product Warnings: Contains a blind therapist who doesn’t consider herself impaired; a meddling, erotic-novel-writing best friend; a hot ex-Marine with a shady past; and a loyal guide dog that howls “I love you” and is probably the sanest one of the bunch.

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Review 

By Aubrey Wynne

Kishan Paul’s debut novel reminded me of why I love romance and a strong heroine. Lauren has a sight disability. She is not totally blind but can see shapes and swirls of color. Since she was not born with the disease, Lauren struggled with losing not only her sight but her independence. Her parents, always hovering and concerned, made her even more determined to have her own life without being dependent on others. And with the help of her crazy best friend and dog Jack, she manages just that: a degree, a growing therapy practice, her own home and her own life. Everything she wanted, or so she thought until the hunky ex-Marine ‘bangs’ into her life.
Gabe had a much different upbringing from Lauren. He battles his own demons and hides some dangerous secrets. I fell for him as fast as Lauren did. He is a compassionate but tough hero, and you can see Lauren cracking his carefully constructed walls. Their growing attraction pulls in the reader and makes us hope against hope for a chance between the two.
But enter: her interfering parents AND the ex-husband. But this ex is a likable guy who realizes what he’s lost. He is a cop who must deal with all the stress and cynicism that job entails. You feel for him and find yourself hoping he may find some happiness along the way. The cast of secondary characters were interesting and made you wonder more about their story. The best friend, Sunny, MUST have her own story.
But I have to say my favorite secondary character was Jack. This dog, in his own subtle way, was as much a therapist as Lauren. He helped mend relationships and eased tense situations as well protect and love his master.
Ms. Paul has done a beautiful job creating layered characters and a love story with just enough suspense to keep you turning the pages. The romance and relationships are key, though. The disability is explored with empathy and tact. I never felt sorry for Lauren but admired and cheered for her every step of the way. This story made me laugh and cry. Yes, that sounds cliche but I haven’t enjoyed a contemporary romance this much in years. I can’t wait to read her next one. ***** 5 Stars

Excerpt:

“I’m sorry, ma’am. I can’t help you,” the cabbie said.

Gabe put the last of the supplies into the large metal toolbox and padlocked the lid.

“He’s a guide dog. Isn’t it against the law for you to refuse services because of him?” Lauren asked.

He bit back his urge to help.

For him, the girl spelled trouble.

T.

R.

O.

U.

“The sign right there says no animals.” The driver pointed to the backseat window.

B.

L.

E.

She grinned. “And if I wasn’t blind, I’m sure I would have seen it.”

Gabe chuckled. He loved her fake smile. Leaning against the truck, he watched the performance.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t—I mean, you don’t look blind.”

Still grinning, she cleared her throat and pulled on the dog’s harness. “I am. Which is why I need my guide dog. He goes everywhere with me.”

The beast raised its ears and looked at Gabe. He averted his eyes, pulled off his baseball cap and tucked it into his jean pocket. Her monster of a pet was making him feel guilty as hell.

“I’m sorry, but I’m allergic to animals. He can’t come in my taxi.”

“I can pay you extra for your troubles. The place is a few blocks after the highway. It would only be ten minutes of your time.”

“Look, ma’am. It’s not going to happen. If you want, I’ll call another car to pick you up.”

After a long pause, she shook her head and bit her lip. “No, it’s fine. I understand. Thank you.”

A few seconds later, the cab pulled away. Lauren stood cross-armed, staring out.

Gabe gripped the truck to make sure his legs didn’t get any crazy ideas.

This is not my problem. Maybe if he said it enough times, he’d believe it.

“Come on, Jack. It’s time for Plan B,” she said and grabbed the dog’s holster.

Plan what?

Stunned, he watched the two stroll down the road. She said the place was a few blocks after the highway. Which meant they’d be walking alongside one of the busiest boulevards in Denver for a few yards before she’d ever reach the interstate. He looked at his watch. Four fifty, on a Friday afternoon. The two would be smack dab in front of the I25 overpass during rush hour traffic—a dangerous situation for anyone, much less a blind woman.

She wouldn’t, would she?

When Lauren got to the end of the street and turned left, he cursed under his breath.

Yeah, she would.

Where to buy:

Publisher: https://www.samhainpublishing.com/book/5449/blind-love

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1JQAu8M

Blind Love Trailer: http://bit.ly/1JQAVju

About the Author

From daring escapes by tough women to chivalrous men swooping in to save the day, the creativity switch to Kishan Paul’s brain is always in the “on” position. If daydreaming stories were a college course, Kish would have graduated with honors.

Mother of two beautiful children, she has been married to her best friend for over seventeen years. With the help of supportive family and friends, she balances her family, a thriving counseling practice, and writing without sinking into insanity.

Her novella, Taking the Plunge, is currently available in the Love Least Expected Anthology on Amazon.

She can be found at:

Website: http://kishanpaulauthor.net

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KishanPaulAuthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/@kishan_paul

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